It was a pleasant surprise when Bert Miranda arrived in Honolulu this weekend and a fortunate few were able to work with him. 

At the end of last year I made the decision to try barrel racing and pole bending.  After watching the All Girls Rodeo at Kualoa I thought that maybe by doing these two events my riding skills would improve.  Having to learn how to coordinate hand and leg movements at a quick pace have been somewhat of a challenge for me.  Well, actually using my legs have been an ongoing challenge. 

Fortunately, Roberta Rita of Hams Flats, has been there to guide me in what I needed to do.  First off, it is important to pattern your horse with the barrels and poles.  Getting the correct bend and guiding your horse through the turn is very important; learning when to use your legs, which one in correlation with your hands is highly important.  Secondly, speed is important but only when horse and rider are ready for it.  Thirdly, do it correctly worry about speed later. 

Thank goodness that Berta has the time and is willing to work with me.  I have been very lucky to have her guidance.  Because of her, I am also very lucky to have the opportunity to work with Bert.  This leads me to my update of what I have been doing with Ellie. 

Ellie is almost eight but only started her training at four; most think this is a little late.  However, she has the amazing personality of “can do” and “will try”.  Granted we occasionally hit bumps in the road when I try to go too fast and she doesn’t understand.  Then we have a little discussion.  Thank goodness for Bert.  He understands and has taught me the importance of patience.  Pushing a horse too hard and fast will lead to problems down the road. 

This weekend he worked with Ellie on the barrels and poles.  She has been working well for me at a walk and trot.  When I would try to cantor her we would fall apart.  I thought this was because things were going too fast for me because I wasn’t able to move my hands and legs quick enough which would lead to her falling apart.  However, after Bert had been riding her a bit he was kind enough to tell me that she really just wasn’t ready to go at a cantor. 

He worked with her on Saturday and Sunday and gave me things to work on with her.  These exercises would result in both of our confidence levels increasing so we can move to the next step.  By the end of his session with her she was really light in the mouth, getting on to her hind quarters where needed, and happily chewing and licking throughout the process. 

Bert will be coming back for the weekend of March 20^th- 22^nd.  If you have a horse that you need help with or if you would like to work with Bert and your horse contact me for scheduling.  Bert is easy to work with.  Time with him is one on one.  He will ride, he will watch you ride and help, or he will do both.  It truly depends on what you need to work on with you and your horse.  There is no ego where Bert is concerned and he shares with you his ideas and thoughts in regards to what to do on your own. 

Having someone tune up your horse is great, learning how to do it your self is even better.  Bert flies into Oahu from the Big Island often enough that you and your horse benefit from having him as your trainer.  His area of knowledge covers a wide range, reining, cattle work, roping, barrels, and pole bending to name a few.  His rate per session is $60.00 and his sessions are approximately 1 hour but he makes sure he ends where the horse understands what is being worked on.  Just because the hour is up he doesn’t just end the session.  He leaves you and your horse in a good place. 

Contact me at 808-388-1484 or gfujita@hawaii.rr.com.  Or Roberta Rita at ritar001@hawaii.rr.com or 808-551-4935.  Check out HorseSynergy.ORG for previous sessions with Bert and video. 

Finding a trainer who is as capable and down to earth as Bert isn’t easy.  He understands the horse and is able to communicate with the owner as to what needs to happen and how.